We’re starting this week’s newsletter with a powerful story of forgiveness. The Rev. Larry Oneal Walker is a street preacher who was recently shot while sharing the gospel in North Little Rock, Arkansas. 

The faith leader, who survived the ordeal, has a message for the man who could have taken his life during the June 2 incident — an encouraging and loving word that might surprise you.

Supreme Court preserves access to abortion pill

Washington. The Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously preserved access to a medication that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year, in the court's first abortion decision since conservative justices overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)” width=”600” height=”355” data-bit=”iit” />

In a blow to pro-lifers, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed an attempt by pro-life doctors to scuttle the abortion pill, saying they lacked standing to challenge the government’s approval of the drug.

In the 9-0 ruling, the justices said the doctors may have valid moral objections to mifepristone, but that isn’t enough to show an actual legal injury.

But the decision didn’t rule on any of the questions about the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug, leaving open the possibility of a future challenge.

And in fact, three Republican-led states — Missouri, Kansas and Idaho — have asked to intervene as challengers to the FDA in lower courts, arguing they face an economic injury through Medicaid coverage of the abortion pill. Read more here.

Basketball coach’s headline-making reply

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla had a mic-drop moment recently when he evaded a journalist’s question about race and brought it all back to … faith. 

During a weekend press conference, Mr. Mazzulla was asked to comment about having two Black head coaches in the NBA finals for the first time since 1975. When asked if he takes “pride” in this and whether he believes it’s significant, the devout Catholic offered a 10-word proclamation about “Christian coaches” that’s been making plenty of headlines.

Student loses ‘two genders’ appeal

An eighth grader in Massachusetts whose school barred him from wearing a T-shirt with the message “There Are Only Two Genders” recently lost his appeal in a 3-0 ruling.

A panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals deferred to the Middleborough Public Schools’ position on the matter, though the student, Liam Morrison, and his attorneys with the Alliance Defending Freedom are likely to appeal. Here’s the full breakdown of the complex case.

Donald Trump’s pastoral pledge

Former President Donald Trump isn’t backing away from his pledge to come alongside pastors. In fact, the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential candidate made a renewed pledge to faith leaders that he will have their backs.

“You just can’t vote Democrat,” Mr. Trump said during a Life and Liberty forum Monday. And he wasn’t done there.

Rob Schneider says cancel culture’s dead

Comedian and actor Rob Schneider believes cancel culture is dead, despite recently being kicked off stage in Canada.

His removal was a surprising moment that came after some people were reportedly offended by Mr. Schneider’s jokes. It all unfolded when the movie star was performing at the Hospitals of Regina Foundation fundraiser, with his comedy abruptly coming to a close as security asked him to exit.

Arrests over Pride mural

A 19-year-old and two minors were arrested in Spokane, Washington, this month for using their e-scooters to make black scuff marks on a Pride flag crosswalk. 

It turns out their actions, which led to bookings on first-degree malicious mischief, could lead to a maximum of five years behind bars. Here are the details. 

Americans’ views on gay vs. trans people

A new survey from L.A. Times/NORC reveals where Americans stand on LGBTQ rights, with notable differences between support for gay rights versus transgender rights.  

“About 1 in 4 Americans reported they would be very upset if their child was transgender or nonbinary, nearly double the number who would feel that way about a gay child,” The Washington Times reports. “While 80% of respondents somewhat or strongly approve of gay and lesbian people living as they wish, only 67% say the same about transgender and nonbinary individuals.” Here’s more.

Catholics and the Eucharist

Washington, D.C.’s Brookland neighborhood on Saturday, June 8, as part of a national revival. Washington was one of several stops in a summer pilgrimage that will end in Indianapolis next month with the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years. (Photo by Sean Salai/The Washington Times)” width=”600” height=”355” data-bit=”iit” />

On a very different note, the majority of Catholics (69%) believe Jesus is present in the Communion bread and wine they consume. 

The full breakdown of the data is fascinating, showing most Catholics see the Eucharist as far more than a symbolic gesture or mandate.

In our opinion

The Higher Ground opinion page was busy this week. Here are some of the columns you won’t want to miss:

Columnist Billy Hallowell explores what the convictions of Mr. Trump and Hunter Biden, son of President Biden, reveal about Americans.

“Justice must always be served and bad decisions will have consequences,” Mr. Hallowell writes. “But in cases like those surrounding Hunter Biden and Mr. Trump, our reactions often say more about us than they do them.”

A post-Roe wakeup call

Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, has a piece about where the real abortion battle must be fought now that we’re two years out from the overturning of Roe v. Wade. 

“It’s a baby. It’s not a blob of tissue,” he writes. “By just six weeks gestation, there is a steady heartbeat, and at eight weeks all body systems are present. By week nine, the baby is squinting, swallowing and making a fist. By week 18, he or she can cry.”

Cherry-picking religious beliefs

Finally, Everett Piper in his “Ask Dr. E” column tackles an interesting question: “What do you make of young people cherry-picking religious beliefs for political purposes?” Here’s his response.